The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-06-13

ligious editor who prepared the fol-
lowing liberal synopsee for the benefit
Of the readers Of the Monday morning
APPEAL:
Linden street Christian Church.
Mr.. Briney's theme was the "Uhli-
ty of the Church." The subject, said
the speaker, naturally divides itself
into two general branches. The utili.
ity of the church may he considered
from the standpoint of It's material
benefits, which are many and impor-
tsnt. The church is the most power.
fol civiliEer known to mankind. Its
refining and elevsting effects upon
society are wonderful. It's power to
check aud suppress crime is some
thing not to b. despised. Wherever
the maximum Of church prosperity is
found, there the maximum Of wicked
ness resides; and, per contra, where
ever the maximum OF church success
exists there the maximum OF
wiCkeduess prevsile. The church
ought to be supported by
the community even from the low
standpoint OF police regulation. 1t
is self evident that il the principles OF
righieousnesa that are inculcated In
the New Testament were to univcr-
eally prevail jails, penitentiariee, re-
formstoriee, etc, would soon become
useless. These institutions are much
more expensive than churches and q
great deal less efficient as to the end
in view.
The church is also means Cf indi.
yidxal prosperity. Not that 1t pro-
posed to directly supply us with food
and raiment, but 1t teaches such prin'
ciples OF sobriety. industry aud econo'
my as are calculated to bring prosper.
ity to him who Is governed
by them. This was, no doubt,
the idea OF the Teacher when
He said: "Seek tirst the kingdom
OF God and His righteousness, and
all these things (food, raiment, etc.
shall be added unto you" 1t pays to
"live soberly, righ.eously and godly,"
even II nothing ia had in view but
this life and this world, The ex.
perience and observation Of one OF
old is summed up thus: II was once
young, but now am old; yet have
never seen the righteous forsasen, nor
His seed begging bread"
But the chief good OF the church Ia
sesn in the spiritual blessings that
aow FROM it. II affords man a spirit
ual home and surrounds him with
those Influences that are necessary to
the proper growth and development
OF his spiritual nature. II II
en- asylum for the souls o
men and women, where they
may nud q sure retreat iron
every stormy wind that blows. Herr
we may secure deliverarce even iron
the gnawing suxisties, cares and per
plexit!es OF business by letting thu
heart rest upon the sustaining arm o
Him who cares for us. When We ar
aseailed, as oitimes we are, by trouble
that threaten to over whelm us an
bear US down into the dark regions
despair, how delightful 1t is to carr
them to the Lord in prayer" This
the meaning of all the services OF thi
day and OF this house. Ga the fire
day OF the week, leaving behind as a.
our cares and troubles of every kind
we repair to the house Of the Lord t.
hold communion with the Father 0
our spirits as we'll as will
kindred spirits. My brother ar
you tirsd2 1t is necessary Il
yet tired in this life. How oftel
do we tire in carrying the burdens o
life. But there is place OF refresh
ing rest where the weary soul ma.
renew it's strength. 1t ID the "plac,
Of devotion, the house OF the Lord.
"0l how praying rests the wearyl
Pray'r will change the nigh to day;
So, whom seems lite dark ana dreary,
Dent forget to pray "
81 am the door," said the Savior
Through me If any one enter. he viii
be saved, and will 30 in and ont ant
will fad pasture" As the sheer
finds safety, peace and plenty In tn
fold of the shepherd, 30 do the re
deemed find these blessings in al
fullness ia the church OF the Re
deemer, Sin whom We have. redemp
ton, the forgiveness OF our sins." II
save men from sin and furnish then
spiritual resting place, are thu
great objects Of the church
Hers we can enjoy tha' peac
that passes all understanding, rtjoic
in the liberty wherein Christ make
us free, and 20 in and out at pleasure
and find pasture. This ia the sonl'
, earthly resting place and gives a fore
taste OF "thst rest that remains for tn
people OF God.
The church is also the means O
+ making known the fullness Uf God
wisdom: ITO the intent that now u1
. to the p.incipalities and powers in tn
heavenly places, might be known b
: the church the manifold wisdom 9
D God" Gods Weldon Ia many side
! ard must be viewed from ditieren
angles. The heavens declare tn
: glorious wisdom of God as seen In tn
, beauty, harmony and desig
, that prevail on every hand. Sam
stars and planets; oceans, sea-
: lakes. rivers and brooks; moun
r taine, hills, plains and valleys
T trees, shrubs, plants aud flowers, an
:. mails, beasts and birds, all combine
!, besl eak the wisdom OF their Make
q Astronomy, botany and zoology r
1 gpectively make known some speGii
: fssl ure OF the divine wisdom. BIZ
| Gods wisdom has q SIDE that none I
4 these things could bring 20 light, an
4 that is the wisdom that characteriz,
8 the plan OF human salvation. n
Q star, ncr ocean, nor river, nor noun
l ain, nor tree, nor flower, nor beaa
: nor bird has any message to deliv,
concerning atonement Of sin. Gc
had to make this known by epeci
revelation, and this revelation !
:, com mitted to the church, which is u
"pillar and support Of the truth
Y Tina thu nhurnh has the peculi